Taylor Buors had always set her sights on a career in healthcare, but it wasn’t until she was a patient herself that she was truly inspired to follow in her nurse’s footsteps.
At the age of 15, Buors went into septic shock and was rushed into the intensive care unit at the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital where she spent nearly a week recovering.
“The nurses were all so comforting and supportive,” recalled Buors. “They made such an impact on me and my family and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare—to make a difference in other people’s lives like they did for me.”
Today, Buors has been a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for nearly three years, commuting from her hometown of St. Laurent to serve in the emergency department at Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern, located in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. There, she also takes on the role of clinical resource nurse and feels a deep connection to the Indigenous patients she cares for, being of Métis descent herself.
“Being able to connect with patients from similar backgrounds helps create a sense of comfort,” she explained. “Patients recognize and connect with a familiar face and that helps me build trust and strong relationships.”
Working in a rural facility allows Buors to use her full skillset in a variety of ways. The diverse cases she encounters also keeps her on her toes.
“One day I might be helping a mother in labour, the next I’m resuscitating a patient. Every day is different,” she said. “I get to help in ways that can directly impact someone’s life, whether it’s in the emergency department or through supporting my colleagues in my clinical resource nurse role.”
Buors recalled a memory from a case early in her career when she helped care for a psychiatric patient going through a difficult time.
“She left me a note saying I was one of the best nurses who had taken care of her. That meant so much, especially as a new nurse. It really affirmed that I was in the right place.”
Being able to make a positive impact in her patient’s lives is also what pushes Buors to continue growing in her nursing career.
“As a nurse, I get to meet and care for people from all walks of life and I’m able to be there and help them during a time of need,” said Buors. “I like that it is very hands-on and that every day brings a new challenge. I like that there is so much opportunity for continuous learning and growth within the profession.”
Buors also expressed gratitude for the financial assistance she received from the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) throughout her post-secondary education. In 2020, the MMF partnered with the University College of the North to deliver the nursing program in Selkirk, providing funding for Buors and 13 other Métis students throughout the entirety of the program.
“This resource meant a lot to me and was crucial during my education, as it allowed me to focus solely on my studies and excel within the program,” she said, adding she strongly encourages others to utilize available programs and funding offered to students pursing a career in healthcare. “This support makes a significant difference when it comes to achieving success throughout your program and career path.”
Looking to the future, Buors is now setting her sights on furthering her education to become a registered nurse (RN).
“I’m excited about the opportunity to bridge from LPN to RN,” she says, noting that she’s interested in a program being offered by the University College of the North in partnership with the University of Manitoba.
For those considering a career in nursing, Buors encourages them to take the leap. “It’s a fulfilling career where you can make a direct difference in people’s lives. It’s not always easy, but the relationships and impact you create are beyond rewarding.”
Interested in a career as a nurse?
In every community and in all health-care settings, Manitoba nurses are making a difference. Nurses are essential members of our health-care teams, bringing their skills, dedication, and compassion to patient interactions every day.
Nurses collaborate with members of the health care team to provide care to individuals, groups, and communities in a variety of practice areas. Nurses work within a broad scope of practice, which includes health promotion, and illness prevention, direct patient care and rehabilitation.
A career as a nurse can take you anywhere! Career opportunities exist across Manitoba in rural, northern and urban settings. Visit our nursing webpage to explore how to become a nurse, current opportunities across Manitoba, incentives and benefits and more.
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